Real Madrid continued their perfect start to the UEFA Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Juventus at the Santiago Bernabéu, securing nine points from their opening three matches.
Under growing pressure ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico, head coach Xabi Alonso opted for an attacking setup, starting three forwards with Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler orchestrating play from midfield. With defensive options limited, youngster Raúl Asencio made his first appearance since the win over Kairat Almaty.
The opening half saw Madrid dominate possession , 71 percent to Juventus’ 29 and register 14 shots, but they were repeatedly denied by Juve goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio. Despite the attacking threat of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Igor Tudor’s well-organized backline frustrated the Spanish side, restricting them to long-range efforts.
The breakthrough finally came just before the hour mark. Vinícius dazzled on the left flank, cutting inside and striking the post, with Bellingham reacting quickest to bury the rebound past a helpless Di Gregorio. The Englishman’s finish proved to be the decisive moment of the match.
Madrid pushed to extend their lead as Mbappé and Brahim Díaz both tested Di Gregorio with powerful attempts, but the Italian shot-stopper stood firm. At the other end, Asencio produced a crucial late block to deny Ikoma Lois Openda before hobbling off injured, a concerning sight for the hosts.
The result marks Real Madrid’s third straight victory in the group stage, offering a timely confidence boost before facing Barcelona in the weekend’s Clásico. Juventus, meanwhile, will rue their missed opportunities and defensive lapses that allowed Madrid to claim another crucial European win.
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